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The global competition for skilled professionals has escalated following the U.S. decision to raise the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000 per application. The H-1B visa serves as the primary route for companies to hire specialized foreign workers in fields such as technology and teaching. The fee hike is intended to reduce dependence on foreign talent amid ongoing debates over immigration policy.
The UK is considering eliminating fees for the Global Talent Visa, which currently costs £766 plus a £1,035 healthcare surcharge. This initiative, led by the government's global talent taskforce, aims to attract top scientists, academics, and digital experts to strengthen the UK’s economy. Cost reductions could apply to individuals from the world's top universities or those who have won prestigious awards. The discussions come after the U.S. H-1B fee increase, which has drawn attention from global talent.
Proposal: Eliminate or reduce visa fees for the Global Talent Visa
Target Audience: Top-tier global talent, including scientists, academics, and digital experts
Reason: Attract skilled professionals to boost economic growth
Initiative: Led by the Global Talent Taskforce
Potential Criteria: Individuals from the world’s top five universities or award winners
Context: Coincides with the U.S. imposing a significant fee increase for H-1B visas
China is set to launch the K-visa on October 1, 2025, targeting young, highly skilled STEM professionals. The visa allows multiple entries, extended stays, and does not require employer sponsorship. Holders can engage in academic exchanges, research, cultural activities, entrepreneurial ventures, and business exchanges. The streamlined application process and flexible conditions are part of China’s strategy to attract global talent in response to the U.S. H-1B fee increase.
Target Audience: Young, highly skilled professionals in STEM fields
Flexibility: Multiple entries, longer validity, and extended stays
No Employer Sponsorship: Applicants do not need a local employer invitation
Broad Scope: Allows participation in academic exchanges, research, cultural activities, entrepreneurial endeavors, and business exchanges
Streamlined Process: Simpler than other Chinese visa categories
Motivation: Strategic response to the U.S. H-1B fee increase, aiming to attract global STEM talent
Germany stands to benefit from the H-1B fee hike, as higher U.S. costs could make the country less attractive to skilled tech professionals. Germany is actively seeking foreign talent through favorable immigration policies and by promoting its growing tech sector. The country’s approach could reduce brain drain and even generate a “brain gain” by attracting international professionals and encouraging its own diaspora to return.
Increased Costs for U.S. Employers: Higher fees may reduce reliance on H-1B visas
Shift in Talent Pool: Skilled professionals may seek alternatives in Germany and Europe
Proactive Approach: Germany promotes welcoming immigration policies and a growing tech industry
Favorable immigration policies
Expanding tech sector with more career opportunities
Reduced brain drain and potential "brain gain" by attracting international talent and encouraging the diaspora to return
Canada continues to attract tech professionals through the Global Talent Stream (GTS), which offers fast-track processing for work permits. The program helps high-growth companies and tech innovators quickly hire skilled professionals, particularly in software engineering, IT consulting, computer programming, and information systems management. Under GTS, applications for work permits and Labour Market Impact Assessments are processed within two weeks.
Thriving tech industry with companies like Google and Microsoft
High global ranking in quality of life
Friendly immigration policies
Fast-Track Processing: Two-week processing for LMIA and work permit
Eligibility: High-growth companies and tech innovators
Referral Partners: Employers must be referred by designated partners
Occupations: Software engineers, IT consultants, computer programmers, information systems managers
Employer initiates hiring request
Applies for expedited LMIA through a referral partner
Foreign worker applies for work permit, which is fast-tracked
Also Read: Nifty, Sensex open flat amid volatility due to H-1B visa, but Auto stocks rally on GST reforms
South Korea launched the K-Tech Pass program in July 2025, offering a fast-track F-2 residence visa for top overseas talent in advanced industries. Benefits include visa issuance within two weeks without visiting consulates, support in education, housing, and taxation, work permits for spouses, eligibility for permanent residency after three years (F-5 visa), and a 50% income tax reduction for up to 10 years. Eligibility requires employment with a Korean high-tech company, a graduate degree from a top 100 engineering school, global work experience, and a salary at least three times the national per capita income. The program is designed to strengthen South Korea’s competitiveness in science and technology.
Visa issued within two weeks without consulate visits
Support in education, housing, and taxation
Work permits for spouses
Eligibility for permanent residency after three years (F-5 visa)
50% income tax reduction for up to 10 years
Employment with a Korean high-tech company
Graduate degree from a top 100 engineering school
Global work experience
Salary at least three times the national per capita income
The increase in U.S. H-1B visa fees has triggered a global reevaluation of immigration policies. Countries such as the UK, China, Germany, Canada, and South Korea are introducing or enhancing programs to attract highly skilled professionals, creating new opportunities for global talent and potentially reshaping the international landscape of skilled labor mobility.
Disclaimer: The information provided is collected from various sources and has not been independently verified. Please verify the details before applying or taking any action.
Also Read: Trump imposes $100,000 application fee on H-1B visa
